The Life of the Wright Bros. in Dayton

From running a newspaper to inventing the first sustainable, controlled plane, the Wright Brothers created a name for themselves as well as left their mark on Dayton, OH. Learn more about the Wright Bros. in Dayton, visit their home, the flying field, and more in the area!

Who Are the Wright Brothers?

Wilbur and Orville Wright were inventors and pioneers of aviation. But before this, they were fascinated with bicycles. As they edited and published their own newspaper, the West Side News, Wilbur and Orville decided to take their new obsession seriously and opened a bike shop in 1892, fixing and selling bikes of their own design.

This caused them to keep up with mechanical projects and research from Otto Lilienthal, a German aviator. When Lilienthal died in a glider crash, the experiments with aviation started. And in 1903, these brothers achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight. And just two years later, they built and flew the first fully practical plane.

The Wright Brothers Home & Museum

The original site of the Wright Brothers’ home is located at 7 Hawthorn St, Dayton, Ohio, however, only a small structure remains. Though you can see the historical “success mansion” of Orville Wright, Hawthorn Hill. This property was purchased and designed, and completed by 1914. Unfortunately, Wilbur died of typhoid fever in 1912, before the mansion’s completion.

Orville, his younger sister, Katharine, and their elderly father, inhabited the mansion, welcoming guests such as Charles Lindenbergh, Thomas Edison, and a few others throughout the years. Today, this mansion is owned by the Wright Family Foundation and is part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Guests can visit and even take tours of the home.

If you’d like to see the Wright Brothers’ first practical plane, the 1905 Wright Flyer III, and other interesting artifacts from their history, visit the John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum. And for a step back in history where the brothers conducted their flight tests, make your way to Huffman Prairie Field.

Huffman Prairie Flying Field

Huffman Prairie Flying Field was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1990, and to this day it offers visitors a chance to see the place where the fathers of aviation failed, succeeded, and built their name. The next time you’re looking for a fun place to visit, this should be first on the list.

Learn Something New with Bob Ross Buick GMC

Find out more about the Wright Bros. in Dayton, OH, learn about the best places to fish in the area, family-friendly activities, GMC accessories, find a new favorite local restaurant, and even ask us about the history of Bob Ross Auto. There’s plenty to learn! Contact Bob Ross Buick GMC to start!